Creative Machine Embroidery November - December 2018

Have you ever purchased a new machine and thought you knew how to thread it, and after sewing for quite a while you realize you’ve missed a step (once you finally read the manual)? Asking for a friend… When troubleshooting a problematic design stitchout, it’s often the simplest fixes that are overlooked. As our skills advance and we encounter problems, we’re often quick to blame the machine or the digitizer before running through a checklist of set-up and prep to ensure we wound the bobbin correctly, the needle is new, the presser foot is down and the upper thread is winding properly off the spool. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rehooped fabric with different stabilizer combinations to achieve a better stitchout only to discover that my needle…

Lisa Archer In the Hoop: Santa Wrap—page 16 picklepiedesigns.com Ramona Baird Ornate Skate—page 34 asg.org/resources/conference “I start making gifts Labor Day weekend. I plan gifts I’m going to give throughout the summer and pick up supplies so I’m ready to go. I plan the whole weekend—from Friday after work through Monday evening—and stitch happily away. I start with the ones that will take the most time so that if I don't finish, I can continue to work on the rest of them until holiday time.” “I try to start making my holiday gifts in October, but I actually start thinking about possibilities in July. My biggest challenge is what to make for a teenage boy. I'm going to make him a personalized duffle bag. The 8-year-old girl on…

HIGHLIGHTS When using a pattern that has different views, it’s easy to follow the wrong steps. To solve this, highlight each instruction section using a different color. Phyllis G., email SEW SAFE When in a household of small children, set your sewing machine to bobbin winding when you’re away from it. This way, the needle won’t move if the little ones are curious. Nicole G., Facebook COLOR GUARD To test thread for colorfastness, place a strand on a light colored fabric scrap. Press over it a few times, and then again using steam. If no color transfers to the fabric, the thread is safe to use. Mindy R., Facebook STABILIZER SAVER Reach for a previously used dryer sheet when you’re in need of a small amount of cut-away stabilizer. Just…

1. Have fun with CME’s exclusive Ugly Christmas Sweater Collection. A trendy party-wear theme also makes great decorations. Use as ornaments, table setting accessories, gift tags and so much more. The collection includes a gingerbread man, a T-rex, a poinsettia, strings of lights, a snowman or ribbons with a bow. ($5.99/design, $29.99/collection, shopsewitall.com) 2. Get the tool that makes quilt block cutting easier. The Orange Pop Rulers give you the ability to stitch out personalized designs without worrying whether your design is centered. The open frame allows you to see your design and cut with confidence with the labeled ruler edges and no-slip grips on the back. ($64.95/rectangle set, $44.95/squareset, kimberbelldesigns.com) 3. Manage all of your machine embroidery design needs with BuzzXplore Version 2. This software is a browser, instant…

BOBBIN TYPES Embroidery machines typically use L-class, M-class or 15-class bobbins. Most home embroidery machines use the standard L-class bobbin, which has a ¾" diameter. The M-class bobbin has a 1" diameter. The L-class and 15-class bobbins are often thought of as interchangeable because they have the same diameter; however, the 15-class bobbin has a 3/8" height compared to the5/16" height of the L-class bobbin. SELF-WOUND BOBBINS Some machines allow bobbins to wind during embroidery. Others must be wound while the machine is stopped. Wind bobbins at a moderate speed so the thread is wound evenly and not stretched. Wind extra bobbins or use prewound bobbins to save time during embroidery. PREWOUND BOBBINS Most prewound bobbins have a smooth, easy wind. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to insert pre-wound bobbins into…

MATERIALS + Fat quarter each of red & black cotton fabric + ½ yard of 7/8"-wide red grosgrain ribbon + Fusible mesh cutaway stabilizer + Mediumweight fusible interfacing + Fusible seam tape + Thread: red & gold embroidery PREPARE • Cut and label the following pieces from the red fabric. Cut one 4½ "×10½ " rectangle (label piece A), one 2½ "×10½ " rectangle (label C), one 4"×4½ " rectangle (label D) and one 4½ "×9" rectangle (label E). • Cut one 2½ "×10½ " rectangle from the black fabric and label B. • Fold one short edge of fabric D 1" to the wrong side, so it measures 3"×4½ ". • Cut a 4½" length of seam tape and place it against the fold on the wrong side of…